Auto Theft Suspect Attempts Carjacking, Arrested by PoliceRaul Garcia was arrested after being identified as the suspect in a bait vehicle in May.http://www.cabq.gov/police/news/auto-theft-suspect-attempts-carjacking-arrested-by-policehttp://www.cabq.gov/police/news/auto-theft-suspect-attempts-carjacking-arrested-by-police/@@download/image/Auto Theft.PNG

Auto Theft Suspect Attempts Carjacking, Arrested by Police

Raul Garcia was arrested after being identified as the suspect in a bait vehicle in May.

Raul Garcia, 44, was arrested for several felony charges after attempting to elude police.

On May 20th, an unknown male was observed in a city owned bait vehicle where he ditched the bait vehicle just minutes after stealing it in an alleyway. The male burglarized the vehicle then got into a Suburban to leave the area. Officers attempted a traffic stop of the Suburban and the vehicle fled from police. Detectives were able to later identify the male as Raul Garcia. Detectives soon learned that Garcia was recently arrested by Santa Fe police for being seen in a stolen vehicle that lead them on a chase with Garcia driving the wrong way on the freeway. Santa Fe police arrested Garcia and learned he had cut off his ankle monitor.

On June 6th, APD Auto Theft detectives located Garcia and followed him in unmarked vehicles. Once Garcia learned that officers were behind him, he began driving reckless by running red lights and driving at a high rate of speed within the city. For the safety of other motorists and pedestrians officers stopped following Garcia.

On June 13th, APD Auto Theft detectives located an occupied stolen tan Chevy pickup in a golf course parking lot in the area of Girard and Vail. An APD Auto Theft detective was able to identify Garcia as the driver of the vehicle since Garcia drove past the detective using obscene hand gestures. Garcia then drove off driving aimlessly into various parking lots and eventually ended up on Girard. Detectives were able to track Garcia to a gas station on Broadway and Gibson where he stopped at the gas pumps. The detectives observed Garcia in the drivers seat and an unknown female get out of the passenger side of the vehicle and go inside the store. Soon after Garcia exited the stolen truck and began pumping gas into the stolen vehicle. Detectives radioed for assistance from APD marked field units. A BCSO deputy advised he was close and could assist detectives. Once the BCSO marked unit arrived, Garcia observed the deputy and got back into the stolen vehicle in another attempt to flee police. Detectives observed this and utilized a tire deflation device to stop Garcia. Garcia continued on with 3 flat tires for short time, driving on the wrong side of the road on Broadway Blvd. An APD officer observed the vehicle stop in the middle of the roadway and Garcia get out of the vehicle. Garcia then attempted to flag down a passing motorist and attempted to gain entry into their vehicle but was unsuccessful. APD officers and detectives quickly moved in and took Garcia into custody.

Once in custody, Garcia admitted to fleeing from police, stealing the vehicle and advised police he had a firearm in the stolen truck. Garcia had complaints that he sprained his ankle and needed medical assistance. He was taken to a local hospital, released and booked into MDC. Garcia was charged with Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle (3rd offense), Attempt to Commit 3rd Degree Felony, Aggravated Fleeing an Officer and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Garcia is a repeat offender who has a long arrest history in Bernalillo County with previous auto theft charges included.